MPs seek stringent action against rowdy supporters of Massoud

KABUL (Pajhwok): Some Wolesi Jirga (WJ) members on Monday condemned firing into the air by supports of Ahmad Shah Massoud and demanded punishment for the perpetrators.

Afghanistan’s National Hero, Massoud was assassinated by two bombers posing as journalists 17 years ago. The son of Col. Dost Mohammad Khan, he was born in Panjsher district in 1953.

His death anniversary was commemorated yesterday when loyalists of the great resistance leader fired automatic weapons in different parts of the high-security capital in violation of a government ban.

In today’s session, many Wolesi Jirga members strongly condemned the gunfire, which left a women dead and dozens of people injured in Kabul.

Munawar Shah Bahaduri, a lawmaker from Herat province, said: “Firing in the air is no homage to martyrs. This created fear among the residents of Kabul. The government must take action against the perpetrators.”

Obaidullah Barakzai, a legislator from Uruzgan province suggested: “Martyrs should be remembered with recitation from the Quran and free meals, not with firing and other illegal activities.”

Ameer Khanyar, deputy speaker, said: “All of you saw the horror and anxiety in Kabul yesterday. It was an insult to the martyrs. Individual behind the rowdy scenes should be arrested.”

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) says around 100 people have been arrested for disturbing the public order. Thirty vehicle and 15 weapons were also recovered, the ministry said.